Good For Pete, Good For Expos

One thing we might have learned from Pete Rose all these years is that he usually delivers. I mean, when he sets out to do something, he does it. Even in this late stage of his baseball career.

There were those who doubted him when he insisted that he'd be playing with a contender when the first balls and strikes of the 1984 season were heard. And, some even laughed when he said he would be an everyday player.

Pardon the pun, but Pete Rose came out smelling like a rose. Good for him, and good for Montreal.

Not so good, though, for the Phillies. Better for them had Rose been able to latch on with a team in the other league; or a team in another division. The Expos, we all know, are less than a half-a-step away from the championship level.

There is some truth in the adage that players discarded by one team have a way of coming back to haunt that team. It goes a little deeper when that player is an "A-type" like Rose, even at his age.

Bill Giles, the Phils' president who has been a longtime admirer of Rose, said he was happy to hear that Rose had struck a deal with Montreal. He said that because "I like to see Pete Rose play baseball." Giles could be singing a different tune in late summer (or early fall) when the Phillies and Expos, as they usually are, are battling for division championship. A timely hit or play by Rose at that time could knock Giles right out of his box at Veterans Stadium.

Nonetheless, Rose will be chasing Ty Cobb's mark next summer in a Montreal uniform. The Expos say Rose will be given a chance to play every day in leftfield, a position Rose says is easier to play than first base.

Rose should be able to help the Expos in a number of ways: (a) as a scratch hitter; (b) as a gutty outfielder; (c) as a box office draw (d) as a leader, and (e) all of the above.

There is a lot of merit in what Billy DeMars, the former Phillies hitting coach now with the Expos, says about Rose's intangible contributions. DeMars was in Philadelphia when Rose arrived. DeMars said it was Rose's "positive thinking" that made the Phillies real contenders.

DeMars was quoted in Montreal and Philadelphia papers as saying: "I think the situation here is exactly the same as it was in Philly when Pete go there. We have excellent talent in Montreal, but it always seemed to me there was something missing. I think, knowing Pete Rose and whe he can do for a ball club, that he's the missing link."

Rose, who ended the 1983 season needing 201 hits to equal the legendary Cobb, appears to like the scene in Montreal. Rose loves the No. 2 spot in the batting order and he sees himself there right behind Tim Raines and in front of Andre Dawson, Al Oliver and Gary Carter.

The Expos have always been a drawing card at Veterans Stadium. They've always been in contention, too. With Rose in the Montreal lineup, the Vet should be a fun place when the Expos come to town next summer.